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One of the most fundamental truths to believe and embrace concerns the origin of God’s Word, the Scriptures.  God, through Paul as he wrote to Timothy and the assembly at Ephesus, declares the origin of the Scriptures:  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16 KJV).  The phrase “inspiration of God” is defined as “divinely breathed” in Strong’s Concordance (#G2315).  The only divinity addressed is God.  Therefore, the understanding to be gained and embraced is that all Scripture comes from God and, if it does not come from God it is not Scripture.  In 2 Peter 1:16-21, we learn additional details concerning the “inspiration (breath) of God” with respect to the origin of the Scriptures.  The word “moved” (21, KJV) is defined as “to be carried along, to be borne along.  The word was used of a ship carried along by the wind (Acts 27:15, 17,)” (Linguistic Key To The Greek New Testament)”.  To continue the definition and corresponding imagery:  “and the metaphor here is that the prophets raised their sails and the Holy Spirit filled them and carried their craft along in the direction He (God) wished”.  Therefore, we believe and embrace the truth concerning the origin of the Scriptures – what God said.

The post last week, March 6, 2023, emphasized a phrase from Ezekiel 38 “the latter (last) days” (8).  Clearly, the focus of Ezekiel 38 is an attack against the nation of Israel, whom God calls “my people of Israel” (14, KJV).  The language and imagery of Ezekiel 38 describes Israel as living securely in their own land, the land God gave them.  At the time of the declaration by Ezekiel, the nation of Israel, as a whole, was not living in the land God gave them.  Before the attack can occur, the nation of Israel, as a whole, will need to be restored to the land God gave them by being re-gathered from the areas into which they had been dispersed. 

In Ezekiel 37:1-14, God showed the prophet a graphic image of a valley full of dry bones.  He then asked Ezekiel, “Son of man, can these bones live?” (3, KJV).  God instructs Ezekiel to “Prophesy over these bones” (4, ESV).  The word “prophesy” is defined by Strong’s Concordance (#H5012) as “to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse) :- prophesy (-ing), make self a prophet.”  So, a prophet is one who proclaims, or speaks forth, the inspired message from God.  A prophesy may be a prediction of future events, and/or may be a simple discourse or declaration of what God said (2 Peter 1:21).  The conclusion is the message comes from God (2 Tim. 3:16).  The word of/from God, through Ezekiel, contains the promise of restoring and re-gathering all Israel together into the land God gave them. 

This is an excerpt from the National Archives concerning the nation of Israel:  “At midnight on May 14, 1948, the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed a new State of Israel.”  (National Archives, www.archives.gov).

Since that time, the people of Israel have been returning to the land God gave them.  Click the following links to articles detailing the record setting numbers of people, some 70,000, who returned home to the land of Israel in 2022: 

Jerusalem Post:  https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-725547

The Times Of Israel:  https://www.timesofisrael.com/immigration-to-israel-hits-23-year-high-driven-by-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/

In 1960, the total population of Israel was just over 2 million.

In 1980, the total population of Israel was just over 4 million.

As of March 12, 2023, the total population of Israel is over 9 million. 

https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/israel-population/#:~:text=The%20current%20population%20of%20Israel, of%20the%20total%20world%20population.

How will we know when the re-gathering is complete?  When Israel is attacked – which may be the first event that initiates numerous others about which Daniel and John and wrote. 

Correctly understanding the meaning of a future event which has been recorded in the Scriptures can be challenging.  Equipped with the belief and confidence that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV) and was never the product of human intellect “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21 NIV) we know we can trust what God said.  The challenge is to understand what God said. 

Since the Scriptures originate with and from God, it does not matter how many people we may ask concerning the meaning of particular passage.  In reality, the answers we receive to our questions are determined by the people we ask.  Therefore, it should make sense for our understanding of the future events spoken forth in the Scriptures to be built upon the foundation of the Scriptures which ‘God breathed’ (inspiration of God – 2 Tim. 3:16) and not human opinion.

In Ezekiel 38, the prophet was instructed to speak forth (prophesy) the message of God against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal in the land of Magog (1-2).  God, through Ezekiel, forecasts the future attack against the people of Israel.  Within the context of the prophecy, of which everything is important, are a couple of key phrases:  (8) “in the latter (last or end, Strong’s) years” (KJV); and (14) “when my people of Israel dwelleth safely (securely HCSB)” (KJV). 

Is it possible that “the latter (last) years” might be identified by the reality of Israel existing in a state of safety and/or security?  Also, might it be possible for Israel to take action to secure her safety and, at the same time, identify the beginning of “the latter (last) years”? 

At present, the most formidable threat to the safety and security of Israel appears to be the nation of Iran.  The following links are to news articles, from a variety of sources, that illuminate the awareness and willingness of the nation of Israel to do what is necessary in order to provide for her own safety and security.

The first article is about how close Iran is to weapons grade enriched uranium:  https://abc13.com/iran-can-make-enough-material-for-nuclear-device-in-about-12-days/12894906/

The second article is about the comments by the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency concerning Iran’s enrichment of uranium and the speculation of an attack by Israel or Israel and the U.S.: 

https://www.voanews.com/a/netanyahu-rebuffs-iaea-chief-s-remarks-against-possible-attack-on-iran-/6990408.html

The third article is about a secret nuclear deal between Russia and Iran concerning the transfer of uranium which Iran enriched prior to agreeing to participate in the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action):  https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-iran-secret-nuclear-deal-would-allow-uranium-transfers-tehrans-illicit-weapons-program-sources

This last article is the response by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the remarks by director-general Grossi:  https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-rebuffs-iaea-chiefs-remarks-against-possible-attack-iran-2023-03-05/

Are we seeing the stage being set for the eventual attack against Israel and, quite possibly, the introduction to “the latter (last) years”?  Might an Israeli strike against the nuclear program of Iran be a key event in setting the stage for the future attack from the north?

Ezekiel 38:14-16 (HCSB)

“Therefore prophesy, son of man, and say to Gog: This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day when My people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know ⌊this⌋ ¹⁵ and come from your place in the remotest parts of the north – you and many peoples with you, who are all riding horses – a mighty horde, a huge army? ¹⁶ You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the last days, Gog, that I will bring you against My land so that the nations may know Me, when I show Myself holy through you in their sight.”

First, please accept my apology for not keeping the blog updated.  Next, the fact that you are checking for an update means you are probably familiar with the website and the man with whom it originated.  I am making a commitment, and sharing it with you, to keep the website, especially the blog, updated.  I hope you will read, click the links that will be included – I promise none of them will be about an extended warranty for your vehicle – and consider the truth of the Scriptures as we prepare for the return of Jesus Christ our King. 

No doubt you have heard of the major earthquake, magnitude 7.8, in Turkey that occurred on February 6, 2023 and was followed by a second earthquake, magnitude 7.5,  about nine (9) hours later.  Since the first earthquake, M7.8, occurred there have been thousands of aftershocks.  At this time it is hard to find a definite number, but below are links to information concerning the impact of the original earthquake along with suggested numbers of aftershocks:

This link is to the article, “The day the Earth moved” published on February 17, 2023 and reported by Reuters.  The article includes before and after pictures of plate movement which was recorded as “23 feet in opposite directions”. 

https://www.reuters.com/graphics/TURKEY-QUAKE/RUPTURE/gdpzqdzwwvw/

This link is to an Earthquake Map which was posted by Amir Tsarfati of Behold Israel.  The map he posted refers to 7,700 aftershocks:

https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/14036

Here is an excerpt from his weekly, Behold Israel, newsletter from February 16-23, 2023:

“7,700 Earthquakes Have Shaken the Middle East Since February 7
Turkey and northern Syria continue to be ground zero for ground-shaking. Since the first two major quakes occurred on February 6-7, there have been more than 7,700 aftershocks. The largest, measuring 6.4, struck near the Turkish city of Antakya on Monday, killing six people. It took down dozens more buildings, many in Hatay province near the Syrian border, and was felt in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt. The death toll of the original quake has climbed to more than 45,000 people, with 122,000 more injured.”

While all this is occurring, and there was another earthquake in Turkey today, there are “wars and rumors of wars” along with “famines, and pestilences”.

Matthew 24:6-8 (KJV)

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. ⁸All these are the beginning of sorrows.

What IF, the increase in frequency and intensity of all the signs of “the beginning of birth pains” (HCSB) escalate to match the frequency of the aftershocks of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria?  Maybe it is time we begin to think along these lines.  Maybe, we are supposed to be able to identify the delivery of the time of tribulation by these events and the coming attack against Israel. 

Let us strive to keep “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3 KJV) in order to prepare for our Lord’s return.

Tom Brown

The Shortest Distance Between Two Points Is A Straight Line

            Jesus described certain events which He identified as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:8 KJV), or, according to the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) “the beginning of birth pains”.  The imagery painted by the words of Jesus is very clear.  Just as “birth pains (travail)” begin and increase in frequency and intensity leading to the event of delivery, or birth, so also will the events identified as “the beginning of sorrows” lead to their intended goal, or time.  Instead of simply telling exactly how long this time of “sorrows” will continue, Jesus told the first church to “watch” so as to avoid drawing the wrong conclusion concerning the possible fulfillment, completion, or “end”  (24:6) of the events and the time they identify.  One such event which Jesus described as a partial identification of “the beginning of sorrows” is “ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars; see that ye be not troubled: …” (Matt. 24:6 KJV). 

            Here is a link to a current story from the Jerusalem Post website dated May 12, 2021:  https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/erdogan-putin-discuss-israel-clashes-in-call-turkish-presidency-667934

            Within the context of this article is the following statement concerning the communication between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russia’s Vladimir Putin: 

            “Erdogan told Putin the international community needed to “teach a deterrent lesson” to Israel, adding that Ankara was working to mobilize this reaction, according to a statement from his office.”

            Obviously there is much to consider about a possible alliance between Turkey and Russia with respect to the prophecy recorded by Ezekiel in Ezekiel 38. 

            As the tensions between Israel and Gaza, particularly Hamas and the PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad), continue and, perhaps, escalate, or increase in frequency and intensity, let us be diligent to “watch” in order to see and understand what is happening.  Additionally, as we watch with increasing interest the events unfolding in, and around, Israel let us be acutely aware of the other signs that also indentify “the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8 HCSB).

Matthew 24:7 (KJV)
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Luke 21:10-11 (KJV)
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: ¹¹  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

SOMETIMES THE MOST OBVIOUS ANSWER OR SOLUTION IS THE CORRECT ONE

Luke 21:10-11 (KJV)
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Matthew 24:8 (HCSB)
All these events are the beginning of birth pains.

I vividly remember the first time I heard the explanation of geese flying in a ‘v’ formation and exactly why one line of the ‘v’ was always longer than the other. The explanation is obvious: there are more geese in one line.

Every one of the signs that identify “the beginning of birth pains” has an obvious and physical application. As such, let us be careful to never overlook the obvious. After all, “an earthquake is an earthquake is an earthquake is an earthquake” (Thomas M. McElmurry).

The following article is from a rather unlikely source – the India TV News Desk, New Delhi. It was published on June 28, 2020 7:44 IST.
https://www.indiatvnews.com/fyi/rising-number-of-earthquake-2020-meaning-is-a-big-earthquake-eminent-experts-629831

What does rising number of earthquakes in 2020 mean. Is a big one eminent? Experts answer
India has witnessed 127 miniature earthquakes in the first half of 2020. From the far east of Arunachal Pradesh to the far north of Kashmir Valley, the south to national capital Delhi itself, minute tremors have become a daily affair. A similar trend has been seen across the world. But do they mean that a big one is one it’s way? Here is what experts at the United States Geological Survey have to say.
The question put to the USGS was — Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has naturally occurring earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven’t had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up for a big one?
To this, the USGS replied, “A temporary increase or decrease in seismicity is part of the normal fluctuation of earthquake rates. Neither an increase or decrease worldwide is a positive indication that a large earthquake is imminent.”
It further added, “The ComCat earthquake catalog contains an increasing number of earthquakes in recent years not because there are more earthquakes, but because there are more seismic instruments and they are able to record more earthquakes. The National Earthquake Information Center now locates about 20,000 earthquakes each year, or approximately 55 per day. As a result of the improvements in communications and the increased interest in natural disasters, the public now learns about earthquakes more quickly than ever before.”
“According to long-term records (since about 1900), we expect about 16 major earthquakes in any given year, which includes 15 earthquakes in the magnitude 7 range and one earthquake magnitude 8.0 or greater. In the past 44 years, from 1973 through 2017, our records show that we have exceeded the long-term average number of major earthquakes only 11 times, in 1976, 1990, 1995, 1999, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016.”
The year with the largest total was 2010, with 24 earthquakes greater than or equal to magnitude 7.0. In other years the total was well below the 16 per year expected based on the long-term average: 1989 only saw 6, while 1988 saw only 7 major earthquakes.
End Article

Please pay close attention to the increased number of major earthquakes. The most recent earthquake off the coast of New Zealand, registered 8.1 on the Richter scale, and is classified as a major earthquake. According to the statistics from the U.S.G.S., only 11 times during the past 44 years, from 1973 through 2017, has the predicted number of major earthquakes been exceeded.

There is a pattern of increasing frequency in which the number of major earthquakes exceeds the projection. Should we be alarmed? No. Why not? Jesus said this would happen. Just as “sorrows – birth pains – birth pangs” increase in frequency and intensity in progression towards delivery, so also will the obvious signs that identify the arrival and progression of “the beginning of sorrows” (Matt. 24:8). Why is there an increase in the number of “famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (Matt. 24:7)? The obvious answer: Jesus said this would happen.

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